The President as Executive Power: The Transformation of Presidential Power from the Old Order to Reform in the Framework of Indonesian Democracy
Keywords:
Executive Power; President; Political Transformation; Indonesian Democracy; ReformasiAbstract
This research examines the transformation of presidential power as the holder of the executive in the Indonesian political system, from the Old Order to the Reform era, within the framework of the dynamics of Indonesian democracy. Using a qualitative approach based on a literature study, this research analyses the changing role and authority of the president through the lens of political history, using secondary data from books, journals and official documents. The findings show that in the Old Order, presidential power under Guided Democracy was super-presidential, characterised by centralisation and early authoritarianism. In the New Order, executive power was strengthened through military and bureaucratic control, creating stability but sacrificing democratic freedoms. The Reform era introduced amendments to the 1945 Constitution that limited presidential authority, strengthened checks and balances, and promoted participatory democracy through direct elections and decentralisation. However, challenges such as the pragmatism of political coalitions, oligarchy and corruption continue to hamper ideal democracy. The study concludes that a balance between formal presidential powers and institutional oversight is key to building a democracy that is inclusive, accountable and responsive to the aspirations of the Indonesian people. This study contributes to an in-depth understanding of the evolution of executive power and its implications for strengthening democracy in Indonesia.
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